Austin Lehman Adventures

Your Friendly European Guide,

Kavya Bisz

Learn more about Kavya

I could really get used to waking up by the ocean (not really practical living in Montana).

We left at dawn to shuttle south to Walvis Bay where we met up with Jeannie our kayak guide. On the water early to beat any potential mid day winds was fine with us.

As we drove to our launch site, we just knew we were on track for a great day.  The sun was making what we understand to be a rare appearance along the coast.  We passed lots of birds (all of which Jeannie would tell is all about and the occasional jackal.

As we got closer to our "put in" we started seeing huge seal colonies.  Jeannie assured us, no need to stop for pictures now as we would get right in the middle of them by water.  Since they have no known predators in these parts approaching be sea, it was easy to understand the logic of being able to get close.

What we didn't realize as we paddled up was that to the hundreds of young seal pups, we were a great source of curiosity and amusement.   We quickly found ourselves surround by thousands of playful seals.  They acted like any "pup" and would follow us and "chew" on anything placed in the water.  Including my hand and Andy's GO-Pro camera (Andy should have some great shots)

We literally paddled and played with the seals for hours.  When paddling hard they would take it as a challenge and race the kayak.  When you stopped, they would surround the kayak and bark for attention.  Occasionally one would get comfortable enough for a "belly rub". Yes, they sure reminded us of canine pups, just in mass quantity.

Reluctantly we paddled back to the jeep and headed back to town.

Another "treat" for a Montanan is a beach side grill, today was just going to be a dang good day!!

This PM was again free (something we are not used too) and we took advantage of the time to clean camera gear and just "chill" on the beach.

Today was a good day, experiencing this with my son has made it one of my favorite family adventure vacations I have done so far.

Dan Austin

A rare east wind kicked up over night, squashing our sunrise balloon ride over the dunes.  (good excuse to come back). Sunrise over the dunes from camp is a spectacular site.   The wind stirring the rich golden grasses and the "red" sands make a contrast too good not to shoot and shoot. Why coffee, bacon and eggs taste so much better out here I have no idea, trust it does.

After breakfast we have to say our first good byes of our adventure.  Its tough, the camp staff seem like old friends after just too days. We load up and head to the airstrip for a 90 minute flight in a small Cessna to Swakopmund along the skeleton coast. Flying just 1500 over the dunes really puts it in perspective how vast they really are.  Then north along the coast past ship wrecks and huge seal colonies. We arrive in the German Colonial town now called Swakopmund in time for a fresh seafood lunch out on the pier.  The contrast of cool coastal breeze over the dry desert is a pleasant one. Lazy afternoon of checking out the town, beaches and shops, before we crank back up the adventure tomorrow.  Tune in a few days and catch up on our Namibian Safari and Adventure.

Keep checking back, there is plenty more to come from my Namibian safari!

Dan Austin

A short 2 hour flight and we arrive in Windhoek. Capital city of Namibia. As promised Roger our guide is patiently waiting (with the welcome sign I so look forward too) just outside of customs. We load up our classic safari vehicle and head out for our 5 hour drive south (on well maintained gravel road) to "The Dunes". In route, endless antelope, orix, ostrich, wildebeest and a 7ft cobra that had a go at our jeep.

Arriving at "The Dunes" as the sun set, finding our camp was a bit of a challenge, but as day turned to night, it was the light from the fire that caught our eye.  Kulala Adventure Camp would be home next two nights. Only on African safaris can you find a remote wilderness camp, so accommodating and down right luxurious.  I mean really, tents with flush toilets!

Our camp for the next two nights is a cluster of a half dozen "tents" and the main dining mess tent.  All tucked against a small rock out cropping at the edge of the dunes of the Namib Desert. Campfire dinner and off to bed.

Dawn came early as we headed out of camp to reach the dunes at sunrise, spectacular would be an understatement for the view! The worlds largest dunes, rich with color an character.

We made our way to Sossuvlei Pan in the heart of the dunes.  Spent the morning scurrying around and taking lots of pictures. As the morning light faded so did we, as we head back to camp for lunch and a siesta.

This afternoon, a "little" work. When we travel with adventure travel companies, we are indeed working.  We checked out Kuala Lodge and Little Kuala Lodge, the latter being about as luxurious of camp I have seen.  Both strategically located on the edge of the Namib Naukluft National Park (the Dunes).

After afternoon "tea" we headed back to camp, its hard to tire of being met at your vehicle with a cold drink, fresh wash cloth and warm smiles.

After yet another campfire dinner, a bit of star gazing then off to bed.  Tomorrow we head to the coast, I can't wait to see more of this amazing Nambia Safari.

Much more to come....

Dan Austin

First off let me start by saying rock climbing is addicting, I just want to give everyone a fair warning! I have done a lot of sports in my day and rock climbing has to be the purest and most adrenaline pumping sport I've done. I used a photo of my twin brother on the left and a photo of me on the right to demonstrate that rock climbing is one of the ultimate family adventure vacations. The photo was taken a few summers ago in Yosemite National Park, fear not Austin-Lehman doesn't take you up El Capitan. But they do provide beginner classes where you can learn the basics of rock climbing and do some climbing of your own.

I want to clear some misconceptions about rock climbing, first off isn't like the movie cliffhanger. Whenever I mention to someone that they should try climbing the first thing they think of is hanging off of a 3,000ft cliff about to fall... well climbing isn't like that! You climb at your own pace and at your own ability, that is why it is one of the best sports. You go at your own pace and it's easy to find something fun to climb at any level. Although the addiction comes soon after when you start wanting to climb more and more and harder and harder. There is just something about having it be just you and the rock, nothing else matters in that moment and it is that feeling that is indescribable. Not to mention the adrenaline rush you get while climbing and just wait to you experience topping out a route... You feel like you conquered the world!

So why not give rock climbing a shot? Austin-Lehman not only provides a rock climbing class on our Yosemite National Park Tour, but they do it in the Mecca of rock climbing....Yosemite!

Your Friendly Rock Climber,

Jonathan 

A few years ago my family decided we should take a European vacation.  My cousin was living and studying in the Loire region of France and our family (3 generations!) decided we should go for a little visit.  I would never turn down an opportunity to travel, so off to France I went with the family!  The plan was to arrive in Paris, take the train to meet up with my cousin and then set out by car to tour the history rich Brittany/Normandy regions of France.  While we didn’t have a set daily agenda, we did have some hotel reservations and definitely had a list of places to visit.

This trip turned into nothing less than a disaster.  We spent more time getting lost, getting frustrated, finding attractions closed, arriving very late at night to our hotels and peering in the windows of closed restaurants.  We spent very little time actually relaxing and enjoying our time in France and enjoying our family vacation.  Looking back now I can find some humor in the whole thing, but that trip really got me thinking about guided vacations.  If we would have gone with a guide my grandmother would have actually had time to savor her coffee and a delicious dessert in the gorgeous villages we sped through.  My grandfather would have actually had time visit Utah Beach.  Our meals would have been filled with delicious food, smooth French Bordeaux’s and conversation rather than meals filled with zombie like stares and frustrated silence.  While we saw some amazing things on our comical European vacation, we wouldn’t have missed so many things and there would have been much more family harmony if we would have traveled with a guide.  We can finally look back on our family adventure vacation and laugh but it has taken years.  Years! 

So here are my top five reasons I highly recommend traveling with a guide.  These are lessons learned the hard way! 

Top 5 Reason’s You Should Go with a Guide

1. No Getting Lost.  We spent countless hours backtracking, looking at maps, attempting to read road signs in a foreign language and finally finding our way just in time to miss out on whatever we were trying to find.  When traveling with a guide all that is handled for you.  The guides are experts and not only do they speak the language but they know the best routes, the best coffee shops or attractions along the way. 
2. Insider Knowledge.  Whether it is pointing out some history of the area, telling a local story or simply knowing where the cleanest bathroom is located guides have the insider knowledge on local sights, culture and hours of operation. With years of experience there is no better way to travel than with an experienced guide.
3. Best Food.  While you are bound to stumble upon delicious food in many places, when traveling with a guide you know you are experiencing the best food the area has to offer.  In many cases the guide you are traveling with is a personal friend of the restaurant owner or has become friends over the years of doing business together.  You are going to get the best service, the best table, the best reservation time and the best food! 
4. More Relaxation, Less Stress. When traveling with a guide all of the details are handled for you.  You get to truly enjoy your vacation and the time with your loved ones.  It truly makes your vacation a time to relax and take it all in! 
5. New Friends.  Not only is your guide going to be your local expert, driver, daily planner but by the end of the trip they will be your friend.  Guides love what they do and they love getting to know people from all over the world.  Going with a guide will give you an experience like none other.   

You will never go at it alone again, trust me.

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

It took all of 5 minutes on the ground in South Africa to forget about the 26 hours it took to get here (the last 14 straight Atlanta to Johannesburg). You see it is blatantly obvious from your very first contact with the African people, they welcome you with open arms and a warm heart.  You "glide" through customs and passport control with smiles and welcomes.

With our crazy busy stateside lives we don't notice how "short" and downright rude many have become.  But here in a land where so many have so little, there is an abundance of compassion, kindness and warm, welcoming openness.

At dinner our first night in an airport hotel, our waiter shared with us growing up a Zulu in Mozambique and moving to Johannesburg 12 years ago for work. He taught us how to say thank you in Zulu "Ngiyabonga", but assured us everyone we meet will know and appreciate an "English" thank you and a smile even more.

This morning we continue on to Namibia, seems you can't have a bad day in Africa, the locals just won't have it.  Beautiful people in a beautiful land.  The next few weeks are sure to be sensory overload. Above all else re-charging my appreciation of simple things and reminding me to start each day with a smile.

We feel at home with "Mother Africa"

Dan Austin 

It all started with a casual conversation with my daughter's college roommate at her graduation last May. "Hey, Jacq, you should go to Peru with Kasey and me" . A couple of weeks later our group had grown from two to four, and then to five. A few more weeks down the road and our group is now seven in total, our final number ended up being eight!

I love to travel in South and Central America, and Peru has been on my bucket list of adventures for a very long time. The scenery is fantastic, the food is delicious and the locals are so friendly that I have a hard time leaving them.

In order to get ready for this adventure I have been training for the last six months. Four mornings a week I have been going to fit camp at the gym at 5:30 am. Yes, it sounds crazy, but, I have to be able to keep up with the youngsters in the group! I know that day when we climb Huayana Picchu I will thank our fearless fit camp leader Angie for all of those extra lunges. While I cant do much to prepare for the altitude, the rest of me (body & soul) will be strong and ready to trek on down the trail!

I have been so excited about our trip, that even though my suitcase is still on the shelf in the garage I have packed and repacked my bag and my pack in my sleep! Counting the days until our departure and watching weather.com!

Your Travel Wizard,

Carol Austin

After weeks and weeks of planning and “waiting”, its finally here,  time to pack and hit the airways and head south, way south to Namibia for our ultimate Safari tour. While I am not looking forward to close to 20 hours of flying, I can’t wait to touch down in Windhoek Namibia.  As luck would have it, I have some great friends that just happen to be there as well.. the good folks from the Adventure Travel Trade Association and a few others are all meeting in Windhoek before our arrival.  We should connect for a cold beverage if all goes well. 

We will overnight in Johannesburg and continue on to Windhoek on Sunday AM.  As many times as I have done this, I still get excited when I walk off the tarmac and see our guide for the next week standing at the gate with a big smile and a sign that says “Welcome Austin’s”...  nothing confirms your arrival at the “right” destination as much as that simple welcome sign! 

While this isn’t our first trip to Namibia and we will be revisiting some of our favorite camps, it’s the time in the Dunes and discovering the Skeleton Coast and Walvis Bay I am most looking forward to.

We will do our best to post some pictures from our adventures in Southern Africa (tech gods willing) and be sure to bring back literally thousands to share with all and relive over and over the good times to be had…

Stay Tuned….

Dan Austin

This little fuzzy guy is a Pika!

Pikas are small mammals that have short limbs and rounded ears. They kind of look like a guinea pig but they are not related to them.  They are active all year around and dart around on the rocks or travel through the snow in tunnels that they have created to/from their burrow holes.

Some call the Pika a “whistling hare” because they make a very distinct whistle call.  Chances are that you will hear a Pika before you would ever see one.

They are herbivores and feed on a wide variety of plant matter,   mostly grasses, shrubs, twigs, moss, and lichen.

I was able to catch a brief glimpse of a Pika last time we were hiking near Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park.  Grand Prismatic is one of the most amazing hydrothermal features that Yellowstone has to offer.

Pika are not as well-known as a bison, elk or even an eagle but they definitely are one of the cutest animals around and fun to watch!!  Try to locate one of them on your next Yellowstone National Park vacation!

Your Friendly Pika Lover,

Christy

In less than two weeks, I will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime – hiking into Machu Picchu “the back way” via the Salkantay Trail with family and friends. This is a trip that has been in the workings for an entire year! I’ve been counting down the days until May 16^th just like a little kid counting down to her birthday. The date of departure for my Peru: Salkantay Lodge to Lodge trip is just on the horizon,  and this much longed for adventure is getting gloriously within reach…

I tried to figure out exactly which part of the trip I’m most excited about, but I just couldn’t do it. When it comes down to it and I read over my daily itinerary (again and again), I find each part of this trip equally as thrilling. Hiking to a high-altitude glacial lake, crossing a 15,000 foot pass, and visiting an organic coffee farm are just a few of the highlights that I’ll experience in a few week’s time. I guess if I had to pick one experience to look forward to the most, it would be seeing a distant southwesterly view of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass, a view that most people never see. I have no doubt that the whole trek will be absolutely magnificent!

Secondly, I’m excited to spend time with some special family and friends. Any of Austin-Lehman’s trips can be created as a custom or exclusive adventure for you and the people who mean the most. Seeing the world with close companions make hiking vacations all the better and something for you and yours to cherish long after the adventure has come and gone. As for me, I’ve rounded up a motley crew of my mother, college  roommate and her parents, and a fellow guide who works at ALA – talk about an interesting group! We may all be quite different in our daily lives, but we all share one thing in common – a passion for travel and adventure!

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m just a little bit excited for my upcoming trip to Peru. The point of this whole blog is to get you excited about adventure and to put the idea in the back of your head that rounding up a few of your buddies may seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the long run.

See you on your next adventure,

Kasey Austin

Most photographers dream of going on a African Safari, while few get the tremendous opportunity. This May I get the amazing opportunity to go take pictures in Namibia. But this isn’t my first time, for me this is a second chance. In the summer of 2010 I visited the beautiful country of Namibia with Austin-Lehman Adventures and it quickly became my favorite destination. But I had one regret, that I was unable to capture the truly magnificent sights. I was armed with a 10 year old dSLR, with fewer megapixels than my phone’s camera and one telephoto lens. The trip wasn't a total photographic loss however, I did come home with 20 or 30 pretty good shots. 

Fast forward two years, after a college class on photography and more hours spent reading photo blogs than my college textbooks; I am ready for my second chance. This time my bags are packed with more photo gear than clothes. As the clock counts down to my departure date I struggle to contain my excitement for my first real trip as a photographer. 

Andy Austin

Peakphotography.org

Tools of the trade for this trip:

Canon Rebel T2i
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-5.6
Canon Speedlite 430 Mark II Flash
Oben ball head tripod
Clik Elite Escape Backpack

I don't think excited is a strong enough word for how I feel about my upcoming trip to Ecuador. I will be taking my 66 year old Dad on his first adventure vacation! We've done some hiking vacations before, but they were a long time ago. This will be his first full-on multisport trip at 66! I mention this becuase it is awesome, I have to give the ole man some credit for taking me up on this adventure. 

We are first headed to the Provinces of Cotopaxi, Napo and Pichincha to see our friends at Tierra del Volcán. There we will be doing some horseback riding, hiking and biking around the National Parks, as well as helping with some conservation projects. We will be staying in some real haciendas in the Cotopaxi area. (photo of Hacienda El Tambo) We will spend 3 days treking around this extraordinary ecosystem of the Condor Bioreserve, which has a considerable amount of local endemism.

Next we will be heading to the Galápagos Islands for a sea and land based trip. I think the right word would be "stoked" for how I feel about going to the Galápagos. Day 1 we will head to the National Tortoise Reserve, where we will get to view giant Galápagos turtles in the wild and maybe see some short-eared owls. Day 2 we will be kayaking and snorkling around the islands, followed by a stop at the Darwin Research Center. I am pretty excited about visiting the Darwin Research Center, I'm kind of a fan of Darwins work! Day 3 we will explore North and South Plazas Islands, making a landing on South Plazas, where some of the richest flora and fauna per square foot in the entire Galapagos Archipelago. After that we will be sadly head back to Quito and then on a plane back to the States.

I will be taking a lot of photo and video gear, so make sure you check back and see some of my photos/videos. I will also try and get some travel blogs up while I'm there.

Leave a comment and tell me what you would like to see photos and video of most! I'm looking forward to getting photos of some local boobies... Blue Footed Boobies that is!

Till next time...

Jonathan

As I was putting on my hand lotion today the smell of lavender took me back to my San Juan Islands adventure vacation in August.  After our group enjoyed an amazing picnic lunch created by our guides Blair and Toby at South Beach. Which by the way, South Beach is located in American Camp that was developed during the Pig War back in 1859 between the United States and Great Britain over a pig crossing the country boundary line and meeting its demise.  The war created the English Camp to the North and the American Camp to the South.  The two camps now make up the San Juan Island National Historical Park.

But I digress, after lunch the group jumped on their bikes and headed to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm.  You can smell the lavender before you see it as you have to crest a small hill.  Once you reach the top you see this stunning farm with rows and rows of different kinds of lavender.  I thought lavender came in one variety but I was quickly proved wrong.

At the farm you are allowed to spend as much time as you wish walking up and down the rows of lavender, cut your own bouquet or visit the gift shop where you can purchase items that are made from the lavender.

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago (a chain or cluster of islands) located in the northwest corner of the United States and are part of the state of Washington.  In the archipelago, six islands are accessible by passenger ferry operated by the Washington State Ferries system.

On our San Juan Adventure, we visit the 2 largest islands, San Juan and Orcas, over a 5 night 6 day trip which is a hiking vacation, cycling tours, kayaking trip, photograph adventure and a cruise to hopefully see Orca whales, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife, all in one!

Your Friendly Adventure Coordinator,

Christy 

There is no bad time of year to be in California’s wine country, but perhaps the best time of year to plan your visit to this bountiful region is for the harvest.  The harvest in the Napa Valley begins as early as August and can continue through early November, but the prime time is October. 

The harvest is truly a magical time to be in wine country.  There is a special energy in the air that creates a bit more hustle, puts a spring in everyone’s step while the smell of fresh wine lingers in the air.  It is the first taste of the season’s grapes, it is the hope that this year, just might, produce the most perfect bottle of wine and it is the culmination of an entire season of hard work.  It truly is a time for celebration!  It is the perfect time to really immerse yourself in the wine-making process.  During the harvest bushels of grapes are handpicked, sorted and then head off to be pressed before starting the fermenting process.  From grape to glass the process is really fascinating! 

With the days a bit shorter and the evenings a little cooler October is the perfect time for adventure vacation packages or cycling tours in the Napa Valley.  There is something for everyone in California's wine country; whether you are a foodie, a wine connoisseur, a cycling enthusiast or you are just in need of some rest and relaxation this is the perfect vacation spot! 

Cheers!

Your Friendly Travel Consultant,

Melissa Ladvala

What kid doesn't love swimming, camp fire cookouts, sleeping out under the stars and water wars! Kids (and adults) of all ages are in for a treat when they launch on this exciting Idaho Family Salmon River Raft . You'll spend the next 6 days traveling through the canyons of the Snake and Salmon River, hoot and holler while you swim the river and ride the rapids. On the banks of the Salmon and Snake hone your "corndogging" skills. Learn the history of the Snake and Salmon Rivers including tales of the Nez Perce Indians and Chinese miners of the late 1800's.  

When looking  family adventure vacations make sure to put this trip at the top of your list!

Your Family Adventure Wizard,

Carol Austin

Who doesn't just love a good story of pioneer grit and survival?!  South Dakota is home to some of the most colorful history you'll find in the American West.  The Black Hills is home to a number of historical sites and filled with natural beauty.  I have visited the area many times and enjoy hiking and biking around this western edge of the state.  I've found the quiet forests to be one of my favorite places to camp and watch the wildlife.

If you like cycling tours and you've heard of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, dedicated to converting old rail grades into public use, then the Mickelson Trail should be on your 'To Do' list of bike tours.  I haven't actually riden the entire length of it, but I did spend a few hours in the rain one afternoon going from Hill City to Rochford, a 20+ mile, scenic stretch that has 3 of the 4 total tunnels found along the trails entire length. Family and friends that have cycled the trail (109 miles end to end) have had nothing but good things to say about it.  Other points of interest in the area that are considered must-dos is, of course, Mount Rushmore,  the incomplete but slowly progressing Crazy Horse Memorial (Native American tribute), Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and without fail, the historic and colorful town of Deadwood.  South Dakota's character is forever marked by the early exploration of Lewis and Clark, the wild years of Gold Rush in the 1870s, and the determination and spirit of the early homesteaders like the Engels family (Little House on the Prarie) who like thousands of others chose to settle and develop the land for the good of the country and the expansion of the western territories.  South Dakota is as much at the heart of America as any other historical place known for that distinction.  Don't miss this gem of the West!

One of the many tunnels on the                 Harney Peak, South Dakota's highest point

Mickelson Trail

Your friendly travel expert,

Richard Tooke

The Canadian Rockies... Just look at that view! You'll find the Canadian Rockies in the province of Alberta and I must say Alberta blew my mind on my last trip there. Alberta in my opinion is one of the best, if not the best place for adventure vacation packages. It is just loaded with adventure activities: hiking vacations, cycling tours, white water rafting, rock climbing and all in the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The Canadian Rockies is also home to my all-time favorite hike, going up Sentinel Pass. Hiking Sentinel Pass you'll see Lake Louise, an unreal blue-green lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, hanging glaciers, wildflowers, wildlife, dark green forest... I get excited just thinking about it! 

Another bonus of our Alberta adventure vacations is our amazing guides, this year we were able to get both our Canadian guides to return. Marcy is our veteran and lead Canadian guide, she's an Albertan local and absolute expert on the area. She will be guiding with Anne, an outdoor enthusiast with an incredible passion for sharing her love and knowledge of the outdoors. I was lucky enough to have both of them as my guides last summer and it made my trip having such professional and awesome guides. The photo below is of Anne (left) and Marcy (right) on the Sentinel Pass hike, with Valley of the Ten Peaks in the background.

Your friendly Alberta lover,

Jonathan

P.S. If you're reading this Marcy and Anne, thanks for showing me your beautiful country!

Just over a week from today I will head back to the African continent and my favorite country in the world of Namibia. I pretty much always get at least a bit excited about upcoming travels, but down right ecstatic when it comes to heading to Africa…  This trip will be no exception and will highlight both new regions (Skeleton Coast and The Dunes) as well as re-visit some of my past favorites (Damaraland, Palm Fontein and Etosha NP)

There are some real special nuances of this trip that is sure to make it very special.  First I will be traveling with Andy my son and it's shaping up to be one of my favorite family adventure vacations. This will be his first gig as a photographer, shooting the incredible landscapes and ever present wildlife. That’s a good start!  Next up is the unique nature of the program itself and our traveling companions.  We are traveling as guests of The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and our new partner Wilderness Safaris (W.S., The leading safari company in all of southern Africa). WWF and WS are looking to not only educate us, but seek our input and insight on the local village conservancies.  Namibia is “ahead of the pack” in how they work with local communities to create truly sustainable tourism opportunities.  The majority of the lodges are on community land and staff by locals in a partnership with WS.

I will share a lot more on the conservancies when I return and have an in depth understanding… you can count on that.

Now while this is “work”, no trip to Africa would be complete or even close without the traditional safari tour.    We will spend the first few days exploring The Dunes out of Sossusvei, the largest Sand Dunes in the World!  (this is a first for me).  Next up we will head to the Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast for a few days of exploring ship wrecks and kayaking with one of the largest sea lion colonies to be found anywhere in the world.

Then its fly north to start our adventure with the good folks from the WWF.  We will visit conservancies and camps throughout the north.  “Stalking” the elusive desert elephant along the dry river bottoms of Damaraland.  (our home for the night Damaraland Camp is the oldest JV Conservancy in Namibia and our host and camp manager is one of the few women in such a high position!)  

Then on to tracking black rhino (doesn’t that just sound cool?) out of our camp outside of Palmwag (my favorite camp in all of Africa).  Tracking rhino as part of a JV with Wilderness and the “Save the Rhino Trust” and partnership that has clearly resulted in the largest population of the endangered black rhino anywhere on the planet.

Moving on we will be headed to Grootberg Lodge, the first 100% conservancy owned property in the country. A region rich with predators, the conservancy works with the locals to be more tolerant of the cheetahs and lions that also call this home.

Now into the “real” bush and a camping expedition at Otjimumbunde.  You really haven’t experienced an African Safari until you sleep in a tent with the only thing separating you and the wilderness is a thin strip of canvas.  The night comes alive with all the sounds of Africa and is sure to keep your blood pumping just a bit more than a luxury lodge.  The “stories” around the camp fire by the locals will only help to set the stage.

Always a highlight we work our way to Etosha National Park and is 22, 270 sq. KM if saline desert, savanna and woodlands.  An amazing 114 different species of mammals are represented in the park… watering holes will set the stage for endless hours of photography literally thousands of animals.  It is about as rich of a wildlife experience as you can find.  Highlights will be herds of the largest elephants on the continent (measuring 4 meters at the shoulder),  one of the few “growing” populations of black rhino,  the trio of “Big” cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) more antelope (Kudu, gemsbok, eland and dik dik to name a few) than one can imagine and over 300 species of birds.. (including flamingos), of course then there are the reptiles and just so much more, Etosha should be on any wildlife lovers bucket list.

As we wrap up what might be my favorite adventure vacation packages we will then spend a few days in Windhoek. Here we will introduce the group to our efforts with Wheels of Change.  Andy and I will spend some time at one of the BEC’s and just get caught up with the bike crews and work on plans for our next shipment later this summer.  Time allowing we will visit with some friends running cycling tours into one of the Windhoek townships.

Then unfortunately it is back up and head home…  if all goes well with Andy, we will return with literally thousands of images and video to sort through and relive (and share) our adventure over and over again.

If I wasn’t excited about going before I penned this “blog” I sure am now…..  in closing I share an old African Proverb  “Return to an old watering hole for more than water, friends and dreams are there to meet you!”

More to come...

Dan Austin